Economic Inactivity 2023-03-21
2023-03-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from the need to address high levels of economic inactivity, which is affecting employment rates and filling job vacancies.
What fiscal steps are being taken to help reduce economic inactivity?
If we had the same economic inactivity rate as Holland, there would be 2.7 million more people in work, filling every vacancy in the economy nearly three times over. That is why we focused on the issue in the Budget.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific fiscal steps not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to understand the upcoming state pension age review and its implications.
I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer, and for the measures he set out in the Budget. I support the fiscal measures he has taken regarding the pensions lifetime allowance, which doctors in Norwich tell me will enable them to deliver more appointments and more operations. Can I go on to ask him, though, what he expects to see in the forthcoming state pension age review?
I thank my right hon. Friend for asking that question, and for all the work she has done in the Department for Work and Pensions on economic inactivity. As she knows, there is an ongoing statutory Government review of the state pension age, and that review will need to carefully balance important factors, including fiscal sustainability, the economic context, the latest life expectancy data, and fairness to both pensioners and taxpayers.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific expectations not detailed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the need for stable, affordable housing as a key factor in promoting economic activity.
One of the key ways to promote economic activity is to make sure that people have a stable, affordable roof over their head. Only last week a constituent visited me who cannot earn enough to be able to afford to rent privately in London, so he is restricted in how much he can work. Surely, if the Chancellor believes in growth, he must see the common sense in investing in social housing?
I do, but I also point out to the hon. Lady that we took a range of other measures in the Budget that will help such people, including increasing the help that we give them to find appropriate work, and helping those who have a long-term sickness or disability to get the support they need to get back into work.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to social housing investment not provided
Response accuracy